Sloan Kuehl, executive vice president and chief lending officer of Waco-based The First National Bank of Central Texas, recently announced the hiring of Ryan Henry to serve as senior vice president and banking center president at the bank’s China Spring branch. Joining him will be Natalie Hafford, who will serve the bank as Henry’s lending assistant, continuing their multi-year partnership.

Henry will serve as a commercial lender and lead the China Springs location starting on January 2, 2021. With 15 years of banking industry experience, he serves as vice president at PointWest Bank prior to joining The First National Bank of Central Texas. He earned his BS degree in business from Tarleton State University.

“We are thrilled to bring on someone with such high character and extensive community banking experience, ” Kuehl says. “When you add in his deep roots and connections in the China Spring community, it’s clear he is a great fit for this position.”

Hafford brings 28 years of banking experience to the team. She has been a teller, new accounts representative and lending assistant during her career. She loves working on the lending side, especially helping families with home mortgages.

Established in 1901, The First National Bank of Central Texas operates branches in Waco, China Spring, Hillsboro and Mart.